May 17, 2010

Entrepreneurs: Anticipating trends key for gift and mailing shopBy iStockAnalyst.com

May 16–Who knew yodeling pickles and bacon-flavored gumballs would be such a hit?

Chris Hutchinson did. He runs Signed Sealed & Delivered, a Billings store that specializes in unique gifts, cards and mailing services. It’s located at 1212 Grand Ave.

But, Hutchinson admits, it’s a little easier spotting trends when you can see them coming.

“These things start in the bigger markets like San Francisco and Seattle and they take about six months to a year to get to Billings,” he said.

He also relies on dependable sales reps who keep him in touch, and he and his wife, Mary, attend national trade shows.

While it’s not the biggest part of his business, the shipping side has slowed a little as the economy has suffered. He’s noticed that people still ship gifts, but send small items, or send less.

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